Category: Philippine Star

The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved on Thursday, September 3, the release of an additional P8.68-billion fund for the salary upgrade of public school teachers.

The DBM said in a press release that 93,344 teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd) could benefit from the additional funding for the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System.

It will cover the salary differentials of public education personnel who have been reclassified under the ECP.

‘This P8.68-billion release means more than 93,000 qualified public school personnel can receive the compensation that comes with their reclassified positions. Pinaghirapan nila ang career advancement na ito, kaya dapat maramdaman din nila ang benepisyo nito,’ Acting Budget Secretary Kim De Leon said in the press release.

(They worked hard for this career advancement, so they should also feel its benefits.)

The ECP is a competency-based promotion system in which qualified teachers can advance their careers either by applying for a vacant higher position or reclassifying an existing position to a higher ECP position.

Higher positions under ECP carry a higher salary grade.

The additional funding is set to cover the salaries of personnel for 2025 and 2026 whose reclassified positions and appointments have been officially approved.

The regional offices of the budget agency will process and facilitate the release of additional funds to respective DepEd regional branches to ensure timely implementation.

Meanwhile, DBM said the government is proposing higher funding for the public teachers’ career advancement system.

The proposed 2027 national budget allocated P12.09 billion for the ECP, which, according to the DBM, is P5.94 billion or 96.6% higher than its 2026 fund.

The Hollywood Walk of Fame gave an early look at the upcoming star for award-winning artist Lea Salonga, the first Filipina to be given the prestigious honor.

Lea was included in the Walk of Fame Class of 2026 revealed last year. Three male celebrities with Filipino heritage – singer-songwriter Bruno Mars, rapper Apl.de.ap, and comedian Rob Schneider – have previously been recognized by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce.

It was confirmed last month that Lea’s star ceremony, the 2,855th on the famed Hollywood landmark, would take place on September 4 (the early hours of the 5th in the Philippines) at 6225 Hollywood Boulevard, in front of the Pantages Theatre.

Television host Sibley Scoles will host the event, while Ming-na Wen, Brandy, and Filipino-American actor Darren Criss will attend as guest speakers.

Wen famously voiced the titular character in Disney’s “Mulan,” which featured Lea as the heroine’s singing voice. Apart from Mulan, Lea was also the singing voice for Jasmine in “Aladdin.” Lea recently performed the iconic song from the latter film “A Whole New World” with Brandy during the “Disney Princess: The Ultimate Concert Celebration” with other Disney stars.

Criss is the first male actor of Filipino descent to win a Tony Award, following the historic win by Lea back in 1991 for “Miss Saigon.” Fellow Fil-Am Nicole Scherzinger also won an acting Tony the same year as Criss.

The ceremony is just one of many honors for Lea this week, as she will be given the Icon Award at the 2026 Manila International Film Festival closing ceremony.

A short retrospective of Lea will be observed during the film festival, where Olivia Lamasan’s “Sana Maulit Muli,” which stars Lea opposite Aga Muhlach, will be screened.

Records fom Departmenth of Health report that around 3.2 to 3.5 deaths per 100,000 Filipinos are by suicide, lower than global statistics.

This is still a serious cause for concern, especially given the following data points:

30% of suicide cases are by peopled aged 15 to 24

men are four times more likely to commit suicide than women (whether they push through or not)

1 in 5 young people have seriously considered ending their lives

According to Dr. Carmina Charmaine G. Bernardo, a psychiatrist and Makati Medical Center’s Head of the Mood and Anxiety Resource and Referral Center, Institute of Neuroscience, mental illnesses and personality disorders can affect someone’s ability to make sound judgment.

The same applies to a traumatic life event – a bad breakup, death in the family, physical or emotional abuse, financial loss, or a ruined career – added the doctor.

“A person dealing with a painful illness or terminal disease may decide to end their suffering prematurely,” said Dr. Bernardo. “Intense feelings of worthlessness, loneliness, and being a burden to others have also pushed people to take their own lives.

This means particular triggers or stressors can lead to individuals taking action and “free themselves from what they perceive to be unbearable and unending physical or emotional pain.”

The hard part then for others who knows a loved one thinking of taking their life is to be aware of such triggers and stressors, as well as be observant of any out-of-the-ordinary behavior.

Dr. Bernardo pointed out the difficulty in this scenario, considering suicide “can pretend all is well to not arouse suspicion.” There are instances when individuals make themselves look calm and happy after a bout of severe depression, possibly meaning “they are resolved with their decision to end their life.”

It is, therefore, a huge responsibility to look out for loved ones with suicidal thoughts, and preventing them pushing through will literally mean saving a life. Particular ‘celebrations’

Dr. Bernardo shared that birthdays, anniversaries, and special holidays can be sensitive times for suicidals, citing international research that found Mondays and New Year’s Day have the highest risk of suicide mortality.

The reason behind birthday blues and more are that special days remind others that they are getting older or there is no significant other to mark the occasion.

“Call a friend or loved one to check on how they’re doing or make plans to go out on that day. Your company will be a welcome distraction from their dark thoughts,” the doctor advised.

Reckless behavior

A person who disregards their safety, health, and well-being may mean they no longer value their life, Dr. Bernardo warned.

These include those who drink too much, drive too fast, do not watch where they are going, miss doctor appointments, or skip prescription medication.

The doctor advises to offer accompanying them to appointments or be the designated driver when they are under the influence.

Seeing others

While some individuals contemplating to end their life tend to withdraw from the world, there are those who go out of their way to seek out certain friends or relatives, often to forgive another person or ask for forgiveness.

Dr. Bernardo describes it as a possible “form of closure” like when they give away prized possessions as if to “say goodbye” with something to remember them by.

“Simply accept the token and assure the person that it will be in your safekeeping for now,” the doctor said. “It’s a subtle way of saying you will give it back when things get better.”

Being there

It is difficult for any party to discuss suicide “but it has to be done,” says Dr. Bernardo.

“Ask them pointblank gently and coming from a place of concern and sincerity. And be prepared to listen – not judge, scold, or dismiss their feelings,” she advised. “Let them talk and express themselves as much as they want. Sometimes, venting provides them with much-needed relief from negative thoughts.”

Emotionally vulnerable people can find enough reason to live knowing there is someone who genuinely cares for them and wants to help them get out of their black hole.

“Offer hope and the prospect of better things ahead if they just give themselves and others a chance,” the doctor added.

One should evaluate if a suicidal loved one is in immediate danger. These would be those who planned the process with the means to carry out the plan, a set time, and an intention.

Dr. Bernardo advised that if an attempt is imminent, ensure they do not have access to lethal objects like drugs, guns, or knives which they can use for self-harm.

“Never ever leave a suicidal person alone. The best that you can do is to call emergency services or bring the person to the nearest hospital where they can get the necessary professional help,” she ended.

Metro Manila has recorded fewer leptospirosis infections and deaths this year than in 2025, but the disease remains a serious threat after repeated flooding, with nine cities breaching epidemic thresholds and most confirmed cases linked to flood exposure.

The Department of Health-Metro Manila Center for Health Development recorded 2,333 cases from Jan. 4 to Sept. 1, down 18% from 2,853 during the same period last year. Deaths fell to 112 from 273.

But health officials warned cases could still rise following weeks of widespread flooding. In Metro Manila, 72% of confirmed cases had flood-related exposure, while leptospirosis symptoms can take days or even weeks to appear after contact with contaminated water.

Caloocan, Malabon, Manila, Navotas, Parañaque, Pasig, San Juan, Valenzuela and Quezon City have exceeded their epidemic thresholds, according to the DOH.

Nationwide, 6,253 leptospirosis cases and 378 deaths have been recorded.

Flood exposure

The DOH said leptospirosis cases increased following major flooding caused by persistent rains, the enhanced southwest monsoon, or habagat, and tropical cyclones.

DOH Epidemiology Bureau Director Jojo Roque said 3,296, or about 53%, of the cases recorded nationwide involved exposure to floods.

The link was even more pronounced in Metro Manila, where 72% of confirmed cases had flood-related exposure.

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease commonly transmitted through water or soil contaminated by the urine of infected animals, particularly rats. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts or wounds and through the eyes, nose or mouth.

Most of the Metro Manila cases involved unemployed people or workers in the informal sector, who accounted for 55%. Students made up 10% and drivers 7%.

More than 600 flood incidents

Metro Manila has also endured repeated flooding this year.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority recorded 662 flooding incidents across the capital region as of Sept. 2. More than half, or 405 incidents, occurred in August amid persistent heavy rain.

One of the most intense episodes came on Aug. 17, when more than 200 millimeters of rain fell over Quezon City in about five hours, triggering widespread road flooding.

Quezon City recorded the most flooding incidents this year with 247, followed by Manila with 140, Mandaluyong with 62, Malabon with 57 and Valenzuela with 56.

Makati recorded 22 incidents, Pasay 18, Caloocan 15, Parañaque 14 and Pasig 11.

The MMDA attributed the repeated flooding to rains brought by the southwest monsoon, the rainy season and tropical cyclones.

The DOH said several health facilities in Metro Manila are providing doxycycline for people who may need preventive treatment after flood exposure. Health authorities have advised residents to seek medical consultation rather than take the antibiotic without medical guidance.

Alex Eala proves she deserves her court assignment at the 14,000-seater Louis Armstrong Stadium. It is the second largest court at the US Open. How, by beating an American qualifier in her home soil with an emphatic score line.

Briefly controversial, as the world number 2 was relegated to the third largest court. Other higher seeds were also assigned in smaller courts. Why, it is all about business strategy. Alex is the biggest crowd drawer on the women’s tour. Impact too, she reminds the world tennis is still here.

Although the Filipino throng did not pack Louis Armstrong to the rafters, Filipinoise resonated all over the place and beyond. A few seats were empty, must be booked by some Filipinos hooked on Filipino time. Speculative, but not remote.

What is real though is that Alex has arrived. She is now ranked world number 18, the highest by any Filipino, man or woman. Or any Southeast Asian woman. Or man, if not for Thai Paradorn Srichapan. In Flushing Meadows she is seeded 17, again the highest by any Filipino, man or woman. Or any Southeast Asian woman. Or man, if not for Thai Paradorn Srichapan.

There could be a Filipino man. A son of Filipino immigrants who plays for the United States is showing respectable promise. Ranked number 184, Andre Ilagan is slowly making his presence felt in the international circuit. He may be unknown for now, just as Alex was. Now she is a global superstar. He may be outside top 100 now, just as Alex was. Now she could barge into the top 10. Last year she struggled to enter the main draw of a grand slam as a qualifier. But now she enjoys the privilege of playing a qualifier in her first round match.

Ilagan identifies himself as Fil-Am or Fil-Hawaiian. Either way, he embraces his Filipino roots. That alone endears him to the rabid, avid and loud Filipino crowd. Others may say he is only Filipino by blood and appearance, but every inch an American by heart. Not his fault, he was born and raised in Hawaii.

But true, being Filipino is not in the blood. It is by words and deeds. But being a patriot requires threshold beyond way of life. They work for a way better life for their countrymen and women. For, within the context of national interest, a few foreigners are more Filipino than Filipinos. Conversely, many Filipinos are more foreigners than the invaders, within the context of betrayal of national interest.

Big goals often begin with a simple thought: I want to.

You want to give your children a good education. You want to see more of the world. You want to take better care of your health. But while knowing what you want is one thing, figuring out how to actually get started can be another.

This is the question at the heart of Sun Life Philippines’ new three-part, one-minute video series, ‘Paano Ba Magsimula’, where brand ambassador Donny Pangilinan talks to people at different stages of life about the goals that matter to them-and the small steps that can help turn those aspirations into action.

Start with what matters

One of the aspirations explored in the series is children’s education-a goal that looks toward a future that may be years away.

Planning for a child’s future can feel overwhelming when viewed as one huge responsibility. But getting started doesn’t mean having every detail figured out. It can begin with defining what you want to prepare for, understanding your finances, and identifying what you can realistically do today.

That first step may seem small, but it creates momentum.

It reflects one of Sun Life’s key messages: every big dream starts small. Whether it’s saving for a future goal, pursuing a passion, or becoming more financially responsible, meaningful progress can begin with one intentional action.

Break big goals into smaller steps

Another aspiration featured in the series is travel-a dream that can easily remain on a bucket list when the destination feels far away.

But a trip doesn’t have to begin with a plane ticket. It can start by choosing where you want to go, figuring out what you need, and creating a plan to work toward it.

Breaking a big goal into smaller, manageable actions can make it feel less intimidating-and more achievable.

The same principle applies to financial goals. Many people hesitate to start because they feel they need to know everything first. But Sun Life reframes financial confidence as something that is built, not born. It grows through learning, taking action, gaining experience and staying consistent.

In other words, you don’t need to wait until you feel completely confident to begin. Sometimes, confidence comes because you began.

Preparing for tomorrow while living today

The third aspiration explored in Paano Ba Magsimula is health-another goal where progress is often built through small, consistent choices rather than one dramatic change.

Taking better care of yourself can start with one habit you can realistically sustain. The same thinking can apply to preparing for other aspects of the future: you don’t have to overhaul your life overnight to make meaningful progress.

And preparing for tomorrow doesn’t have to mean putting today on hold.

This is at the heart of Sun Life’s Live Bright Now philosophy: financial preparedness is meant to give people greater confidence to enjoy the present while preparing for the future. It’s about finding balance, rather than choosing between living today and planning for tomorrow.

There’s no perfect time to begin

The three goals explored by Donny’s interviewees may be different-children’s education, travel, and health-but they point to a common lesson: starting doesn’t have to be a big leap.

It can mean identifying what matters, breaking a goal into smaller steps, learning along the way, and staying consistent even when the path ahead isn’t completely clear.

Most importantly, you don’t have to have everything figured out before getting started. Progress is built through action, experience, and consistency-not by waiting for the perfect moment.

Paano Ba Magsimula is the latest chapter of Sun Life’s ongoing Live Bright Now movement, which has been helping Filipinos live brighter through financial literacy content, meaningful experiences, wellness initiatives and community activations.

Because whether you’re preparing for your children’s future, saving for a trip, taking better care of your health, or simply trying to become more financially responsible, the starting point can be the same:

A 19-year-old woman died after the motorcycle she was riding collided with a Ceres bus along the National Highway in sitio Proper, Barangay Dayhagon, Medellin, Cebu, early Tuesday morning, September 1.

The victim, a student known by the alias Elle, was a resident of Barangay Dayhagon. She was reportedly heading home after spending the night at a classmate’s house when the crash happened.

Based on the initial investigation by the Medellin Municipal Police Station, Elle was traveling northbound on the highway while the Ceres bus was moving southbound.

The bus was driven by alias Fons, 46, of Barangay Hagnaya, San Remigio.

Police said the motorcycle reportedly entered the lane being used by the bus.

The force of the crash caused the motorcycle to skid and seriously injured Elle.

She was taken to Cebu Provincial Hospital Bogo City for treatment but was declared dead on arrival.

After the incident, Fons surrendered voluntarily to the police and was brought to the Medellin Municipal Police Station.

Authorities are preparing a possible complaint for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide and damage to property against the bus driver.

As part of the investigation, Fons will also undergo alcohol and drug testing pursuant to Republic Act 10586, or the Anti-Drunk and Drugged Driving Act of 2013, to determine whether alcohol or illegal drugs were involved.

The police investigation into the circumstances of the collision is ongoing.

Tropical Storm Pilandok is set to exit the Philippine area of responsibility today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday, Pilandok was located 1,080 kilometers east-northeast of extreme Northern Luzon, packing winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kph while moving west-northwestward at 10 kph.

PAGASA said Pilandok will maintain its strength as a tropical storm and move northwestward until it exits PAR early today.

Despite the exit, occasional rains will still be felt in Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Zambales and Bataan due to the southwest monsoon.

Death toll at 39

The death toll from weather-related incidents since Aug. 1 climbed to 39 after the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported five more fatalities yesterday.

Three of the latest fatalities were from Zambales, including two people who died in a landslide on the Morong, Bataan side of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and another in a separate landslide in Olongapo.

Two other deaths were reported in Pampanga, involving a landslide and a nipa hut that was swept away by strong currents, both in Porac.

The NDRRMC said the latest casualties were attributed to the combined effects of typhoons Luis, Maymay and Neneng and the southwest monsoon since Aug. 1.

Benguet recorded the highest number of deaths with 15, followed by Rizal and Batangas with four each.

Caloocan City had three fatalities, while Quezon and Occidental Mindoro had two each.

La Union, Pangasinan, Oriental Mindoro and Negros Occidental each recorded one death.

Also included in the death toll were passengers of a Toyota Avanza that plunged into the Tarlac River after a portion of the Agana Bridge in Tarlac City collapsed on Aug. 29.

The body of passenger Shanen Tuhao, a resident of Cavite, was found floating in the river in Barangay San Vicente, Bayambang, Pangasinan at around 4 p.m. on Sept. 1.

Before Shanen, the remains of another passenger, James Patrick Taborlupa, was recovered on Aug. 31 in Barangay Carael, Lingayen, Pangasinan.

Two other passengers, Sheila Mae Taborlupa and Paul Harvey Collado, remain missing.

Following the incident in Tarlac, Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered a nationwide structural audit of all national bridges following continuous downpours that led to the collapse of two bridges in Tarlac province last week.

Cebu seeks to strengthen economic ties with East Asian regions through tourism cooperation, improved connectivity, and investment opportunities as it hosts the 19th East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Federation (EATOF) General Assembly.

This comes as Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said the province intends to use the international gathering to showcase Cebu while pursuing discussions that could expand opportunities beyond visitor arrivals.

‘We’re showcasing Cebu in the international scene so let’s do it,’ Baricuatro told the media during the opening of the assembly on Wednesday, September 2, at the Mactan Expo Cebu in Lapu-Lapu City.

Among the priorities she wants to raise during the gathering is air connectivity, particularly the establishment of direct flights between Cebu and participating EATOF regions.

‘We would like to discuss about connectivity no, importante unta nga naay direct flights from their end to our end – that’s something that i would want to talk about,’ she said.

Baricuatro also pointed to investment as another area where Cebu could strengthen its ties with other EATOF members, saying the province is ready to welcome businesses interested in expanding into Cebu.

‘Of course investments no as what I said during SOPA, Cebu is open for business so we’ll welcome investors in Cebu so that’s something I want to discuss also,’ she said.

The governor said stronger cooperation and connectivity could also contribute to the province’s tourism sector.

The 19th EATOF General Assembly formally opened yesterday, bringing together governors, heads of delegation, tourism officials, and other stakeholders from member regions across East Asia.

Represented at the gathering are Cebu Province in the Philippines, Gangwon State in South Korea, Tottori Prefecture in Japan, Jilin Province in China, Töv Province in Mongolia, Sarawak in Malaysia, Quang Ninh Province in Vietnam, Luang Prabang Province in Laos, and Siem Reap Province in Cambodia.

In her opening speech, Baricuatro said the participating regions share a common view that tourism can serve as a vehicle not only for travel but also for friendship, economic opportunity, cultural understanding, and sustainable development.

She said the changing tourism landscape, including demands for more meaningful experiences and greater community benefits, as well as challenges involving climate change, environmental pressures, connectivity, and rapid development, make regional cooperation more important.

‘These challenges remind us that we cannot build the future of tourism alone,’ Baricuatro said.

Through EATOF, she said member regions have a platform to exchange solutions, develop partnerships, and pursue initiatives that could benefit their respective communities.

For Cebu, Baricuatro identified tourism and cultural exchanges, sports tourism, connectivity, investment, sustainable destination development, and people-to-people exchanges as areas where stronger cooperation could be pursued.

She also expressed hope that the assembly would go beyond resolutions and agreements and result in concrete programs, exchanges, investments, and opportunities for the people of the participating regions.

‘We invite you to experience Cebu, but more importantly, we invite you to connect with Cebu,’ Baricuatro told the delegates.

Vice Governor Glenn Soco, in his congratulatory remarks, described the gathering as a significant opportunity for East Asian regions to strengthen their ties, noting that 10 regions were coming together for the assembly.

Soco said Cebu should be viewed not merely as a destination but as a gateway connecting East Asia through its airport, ports, and people.

‘We’ve always believed something about Cebu. That we’re not just a place people visit. We’re a gateway. A gateway for East Asia. Our airport connects. Our ports connect. Our people connect,’ Soco said.

He added that the discussions would cover not only tourism but also business and other forms of cooperation, emphasizing that tourism should ultimately translate into jobs, livelihoods, and opportunities for communities across Cebu.

Gangwon State Vice Governor for Economic Affairs Shin Weon-Chul likewise congratulated Cebu for hosting the 2026 assembly and thanked the province for its welcome and hospitality.

Gangwon State has played a key role in EATOF since its establishment in 2000 and serves as the federation’s chair and secretariat.

President Marcos is proposing P69.9 billion funding for three major rice programs next year as the government seeks to boost domestic production, raise farmers’ incomes and help keep rice affordable and accessible. Acting Budget Secretary Kim Robert de Leon said the proposed funding forms part of the administration’s broader food security agenda, which seeks to raise agricultural productivity while improving the livelihoods of farmers and fisherfolk.

The allocation covers P29.9 billion for the National Rice Program, P30 billion for the Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RCEF) and P10 billion for the Rice for All Program, under the 2027 National Expenditure Program.

‘Taken together, the P69.9-billion investment represents a three-pronged rice strategy: produce more at home, strengthen the farmers who grow the country’s staple and make affordable rice more accessible to Filipino families,’ he said.

Of the proposed allocation, P29.9 billion will go to the Department of Agriculture (DA)’s National Rice Program, one of its banner programs. It will fund quality seeds, farm inputs, extension services and modern production technologies aimed at improving rice farmers’ productivity and incomes.

Another P30 billion will go to the RCEF to sustain investments designed to improve the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of Filipino rice farmers.

Under Republic Act 12078, RCEF was extended until 2031 and its annual funding was tripled to P30 billion from P10 billion. RCEF is to be sourced from all tariffs collected from rice importation.

Of the P30 billion, P9 billion will be allocated for farm machinery and equipment through the Philippine Center for Postharvest Development and Mechanization, while P6 billion will support rice seed development, propagation and promotion through the Philippine Rice Research Institute.

This includes rice training and extension services, financial assistance to rice farmers, expanded rice credit assistance, composting facilities, irrigation and soil health improvement, pest and disease management and farming support programs of the DA and the National Irrigation Administration under the contract farming program.

On the consumer side, the government is proposing P10 billion for the Rice for All Program, which will make affordable rice available through Kadiwa Centers and other accredited facilities across the country.

‘For agriculture and food security, P261.7 billion is proposed across the agriculture sector, supporting programs that increase productivity, strengthen food security and improve the incomes of our farmers and fisherfolk,’ De Leon said.

Food security remains among the administration’s highest priorities as it pursues the goal of achieving zero hunger by 2030.